The 2023 Finance Law of Gabon (Projet de Loi n°–2023), adopted in late 2022, sets total state expenditures at FCFA 2 102 226 634 247 and financing capacity at FCFA 2 063 223 659 408.
A core focus is on ensuring reliable access to clean water and electricity across urban and rural areas. To that end, the law combines externally financed infrastructure programmes with domestic budget lines for both capital investment and operating needs in the water and power sectors.
This article pulls together every dedicated water- and electricity-related commitment for 2023, highlighting the figures and technical scope in an accessible format.
1. Externally Financed Infrastructure Projects
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Total external water/electricity financing in 2023: FCFA 22 000 000 000 (at least).
Project PIEPAL
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Objective: Provide universal access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation in rural communes.
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Components:
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Installation of 150 km of potable-water pipelines across 60 villages
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Construction of 120 community latrine blocks and septic systems
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Training of 300 local water-management committee members
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Rationale: Reduce waterborne disease incidence by 40 % and improve hygiene standards, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Project PASIG Phase I
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Objective: Strengthen rural infrastructure to support economic activities and service delivery.
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Components:
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Rehabilitation of 200 km of rural roads to all-weather standard
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Deployment of 10 off-grid solar mini-grids powering schools and health centers
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Capacity-building workshops for 150 municipal technicians on infrastructure maintenance
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Rationale: Improve market access for agricultural producers, reduce transport costs by 25 %, and boost energy access in off-grid communities.
2. Domestic Capital Investments (Titre 5)
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The local service budget covers staffing, routine maintenance, minor network extensions, and small capital works in all communes. The hydraulic & sanitation line underpins watershed planning and sanitation infrastructure.
3. Operating Subsidies & Personnel (Titre 3 & 2)
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The FCFA 5 bn subsidy bridges the gap when SEEG’s tariff revenues don’t cover operating costs, ensuring uninterrupted service.
4. Key Figures & Technical Highlights
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Total state expenditures (2023): FCFA 2 102 226 634 247
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Total financing capacity: FCFA 2 063 223 659 408
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External water/electricity disbursements: ≥ FCFA 22 000 000 000
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Domestic capital share for water/electricity: ≈1,05%
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Operating subsidy as % of total budget:
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Balance of priorities: Heavy external investment drives new infrastructure, while domestic lines ensure reliable operations and maintenance.
5. Implications for Gabon
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Accelerated Infrastructure Build-out: Over FCFA 22 bn from multilateral lenders underpins major water and power projects.
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Sustainable Operations: Domestic capital and subsidies secure SEEG and local authorities’ capacity to manage and maintain networks.
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Integrated Water-Energy Planning: Significant hydraulic and sanitation funding signals a move toward holistic resource management.
Read the full “Finance laws 2023” (in French):
Read the full “Finance laws 2022” (in French):
Read the full “Finance laws 2021” (in French):
Read the full “Finance laws 2020” (in French):
